TSC (Srb) vs Braga (Por) prediction: EUROPE: Champions League – Qualification betting tips on match 2023-08-14 18:00.
After a 3-0 loss in the first leg of this UEFA Champions League (UCL) qualifier, TSC BaÄŤka Topola now need a miracle to proceed any further. Such an event looks near-impossible, but the door is still open for TSC to become the first side this century to overturn a three-goal aggregate deficit in the third UCL qualifying round (3QR) without the aid of away goals.
For what it’s worth, they are now unbeaten in seven domestic Serbian Super Liga games after their 1-0 weekend win over Radnički, with that narrow late success meaning it’s a year to the month since TSC last experienced a 0-0 draw. But the first goal could easily go against them once more, with TSC getting just one shutout across their previous four competitive home outings.
In truth, only a collapse of legendary proportions will deny Portuguese outfit Braga passage to their first UCL playoff round appearance in 11 years. Even a repeat of the 2-1 loss they suffered on their last visit to Serbia in 2021 (vs Red Star Belgrade) would be inconsequential – and that looks even more unlikely when considering their strong all-time record vs Serbian sides (W4, D3, L1).
This will be Braga’s first competitive away game of the campaign, following their Primeira Liga-opening 2-1 home loss to Famalicão. That was the Arsenalists’ first loss after scoring first since February, and while this should be a formality, Braga’s return of just one clean sheet in seven European away games played from the start of 2022 is also concerning.
Players to watch: The only Montenegrin in TSC’s first team, Marko Rakonjac has already registered a goal and assist for them, despite playing a total of just 130 minutes so far with his current side. Half of his ten most recent goals have been via his head. But Bruma could upstage him, having struck Braga’s first leg opener, making each of his last three goals matchwinners.
Hot streak: Braga have avoided conceding inside the opening half-hour across their last nine competitive away games.